Two-Factor Authentication: Why and How To Set It Up

Everyone is concerned about online safety. Whether you use Apple, Google or Twitter, keeping your services secure with Two-Factor Authentication is a must.

What is Two-Factor Authentication

It’s an extra layer of security for your Apple ID designed to ensure you’re the only person who can access your account even if someone knows your password.

With two-factor authentication enabled, your account can only be accessed on the devices you trust, like your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

When you want to sign in to a new device for the first time, you’ll need to provide two pieces of information— your password and the six digit verification code that’s automatically displayed on your device.

Once signed in, you won’t be asked for the verification code on that device again, unless you sign out completely, erase your device or need to change your password.

Your password alone is no longer enough to access your account, this dramatically improves the security of your Apple ID and all the personal information you store with Apple.

How To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

In iOS 10 Apple you can set up Two-Factor Authentication on your iPhone or iPad. Follow the simple directions below.

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap on your Account at the top of the page

3. Tap on Password & Security

4. Tap on Turn on Two-Factor Authentication

5. Tap on Continue

6. Tap on Turn On Anyway (if you are warned
about compatibility)

7. Make sure your phone number is correct

8. Tap Continue

9. Enter your iPhone Passcode

10. Tap Continue when you are informed that your
Passcode will replace your iCloud Security Code.

Now How Do I Get Two-Factor Authentication Codes

When you sign into iCloud.com on a new browser or onto another iPhone, iPad or Mac, you’ll need your Two-Factor Authentication code. Here’s how to get it.

First a push notification will show up on an already logged in device, telling you someone is trying to sign into your account and showing you on a map where the sign in attempt is coming from.

1. Tap on Allow

2. Enter the code to sign in

You can also generate a code any time:

1. Launch the Settings app

2. Tap on your Acccount

3. Tap on Password & Security

4. Tap on Get Verification Code

5. Enter the Code to sign in

What Happens If I Can’t Sign In

If you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. This is an automatic process designed to get you back in to your account as quickly as possible while denying access to anyone who might pretend to be you. Although this could take a couple of days depending on what specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.

If you have any questions, comments or issues with 2FA drop them in the comment section below, or shoot me a message in the contact form.

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